Arsenal issue apology to Chris Smalling

Man United Chris Smalling pushed by an Arsenal fan during the Premier League encounter at the Emirates on Sunday, March 10 [Courtesy]

Arsenal have issued an apology to Chris Smalling and banned a fan after an incident in their 2-0 win over Manchester United at the Emirates.

Smalling was confronted and pushed by a supporter who invaded the pitch after Arsenal's second goal.

The man in question has been arrested by Met Police on suspicion of common assault and pitch invasion.

The Gunners have now released a statement stating: "We utterly condemn the behaviour of the individual who ran onto the pitch and approached Chris Smalling during today's match.

"We would like to apologise to Chris and Manchester United, and are pleased that the individual was apprehended and arrested. We will be working closely with the Metropolitan Police in their investigation.

"The individual will also be banned from Arsenal matches home and away. Our matchday staff receive ongoing training on managing incidents such as this."

The supporter ran to join Arsenal's celebrations after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's penalty after his encounter with Smalling.

Man United lost 2-0 [Courtesy]

A Met Police statement said: "A man has been arrested on suspicion of common assault and pitch invasion following an incident during the Arsenal v Man Utd game at the Emirates Stadium today. He is currently in custody at a north London police station." 

Arsenal boss Unai Emery said: “We don’t want that, but it’s not my control. I think we can enjoy with our supporters and today I am proud of our supporters who helped us, but I think also we must do this with respect.”

The incident came hours after a Birmingham supporter punched Jack Grealish during the Second City derby.

The Villa star was sucker-punched by the supporter - who came from the home end at St Andrew's - less than 10 minutes after kick-off.

On that occasion, the individual was immediately arrested and banned from Birmingham games.

The PFA, the players’ union, said: “The PFA is concerned that we’ve seen elements of this type of behaviour coming back into the game, with several high-profile crowd-related issues this season.

“Over the last few decades, there has been a great improvement in the matchday experience however incidents like this demonstrate certain problems have not been eradicated and that players can be particularly vulnerable.”